What If a Driver Runs a Red Light and Hits My Car in Mobile?

Red light crashes are among the most common and dangerous types of car accidents. When a driver runs a red light, the results can be catastrophic, often causing severe injuries and, in worse cases, fatalities. If you have been involved in a crash caused by a red-light violation, it is important to understand your legal rights to get the compensation you need.

Below we cover key information about what you can expect after a red-light crash in Mobile, Alabama. We discuss the types of evidence that can help to prove a red-light violation and common reasons why drivers disregard traffic signals.

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, our experienced Mobile car accident attorneys are here to help guide you through every step of the legal process. If a driver’s failure to obey traffic signals has caused you harm, we are ready to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Request a FREE consultation today: 251-888-8888

What to Expect in a Red-Light Crash Claim

Negotiating a red-light crash claim involves several stages. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for the process. From the initial investigation to reaching a settlement, here are some steps that could be taking when pursuing a claim after a red-light accident.

• Investigation and Evidence Collection: Your lawyer will help you to gather police reports, witness statements, available video footage and other crash scene evidence that may be available.
• Medical Evaluation: Seeking medical attention right after your accident is a vital step in protecting not only your health, but also your claim. In addition to this initial evaluation, you may have multiple follow-up treatments to attend. You may also require medical assessments to document injuries like PTSD and chronic pain to help evaluate their long-term effects.
• Insurance Negotiations: The insurance company will evaluate your claim and may offer a quick settlement. Some insurance companies may offer a low settlement, especially if you have not provided medical documents like diagnostic test or treatment plans.
• Settlement or Trial: Most personal injury cases are settled outside of court, but if the two sides cannot reach a settlement, your case may go to trial. In that situation, a judge or jury will decide the outcome. At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we are always prepared to represent our clients in court if it becomes necessary. We also have the only mock courtroom in Alabama, giving us the opportunity to fully prepare our clients for court.
• Compensation: If your case is successful, you will receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage and other losses.

By understanding each stage of the process, you can make informed decisions and protect your rights throughout the red-light crash claim.

How Could Alabama’s Traffic Signal Laws Impact My Claim?

Alabama’s traffic signal laws play a critical role in determining fault and the strength of your claim after a red-light crash. Under Alabama law, running a red light violates traffic rules and establishes clear liability for the driver who caused the accident. If the driver who ran the red light is found to be at fault, they can be held responsible for your damages.

That said, it is important to remember that Alabama follows a comparative negligence rule. This means if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of negligence.

Documenting Evidence to Prove a Red-Light Violation Caused Your Crash

Victims have the burden of proving negligence for any car accident claim, including one resulting from a red-light crash. This is why providing robust evidence is critical to the outcome of your case. You will need to not only prove the at-fault driver violated the law, but also how that breach led to the crash. You must also be able to prove that crash directly caused your injuries and resulted in medical costs and other damages.

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we understand this can seem overwhelming, and no car accident case is straightforward, even one where a driver ran through a red light. This is why we strongly recommend seeking legal help from day one. Having a knowledgeable attorney manage your case helps to protect your best interests and legal rights.

The more thorough and organized your evidence, the stronger your case will be. Here are the types of evidence that could help to build a compelling case on your behalf:

• Crash Scene Photos: Including traffic signals, crash debris, vehicle damage and surrounding areas.
• Witness Statements: Record interactions with people who saw the accident or the driver running the red light. Your attorney can validate witnesses on your behalf.
• Contact Police: This step ensures a police report is created, which will provide an official document of the incident. Be sure to get a copy of your police report as soon as it is available.
• Obtain Video Footage: Note whether there are any nearby surveillance cameras or witnesses who captured footage of the incident on their iPhone or a Dashcam. If available, your attorney will need to request this footage right away before it is lost or written over.
• Record Your Injuries and Medical Treatments: Immediate medical care after the crash, along with ongoing treatments provide documentation of the extent and severity of your injuries, while also providing a direct link to the crash that caused them.
• Preserve Communication: Keep accurate records of your conversations with the at-fault driver, the insurance company, your physicians and other involved parties.

This evidence will be essential in helping to establish fault and securing fair compensation for your injuries. An experienced lawyer will help you gather, organize, and present evidence, navigate complex legal processes, and advocate for your rights to build a strong case and secure fair compensation.

Top Reasons Drivers Run Red Lights and Ignore Traffic Signals

The reasons behind red-light violations are often more than just carelessness—they can involve a mix of distractions, poor judgment and risky driving behaviors.

Distracted Driving

Drivers may be texting, talking on the phone or using in-car technology, which can cause them to miss traffic signals.

Impatience or Aggression

Some drivers, eager to save time, ignore red lights, particularly in heavy traffic. They often believe it will help them reach their destination faster. Unfortunately, this type of risky behavior often results in dangerous crashes.

Poor Visibility

Severe weather, low light conditions or obstructed views can make it difficult for drivers to notice a red light in time.

Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol or drugs can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time, making it harder to make safe decisions, such as stopping at traffic signals.

Inexperienced Drivers

Young or inexperienced drivers may misjudge when it is safe to proceed, leading to unintentional red-light violations.

By recognizing these behaviors, drivers and pedestrians can better protect themselves from accidents caused by red-light runners.

Reach Out to a Mobile Personal Injury Attorney Today

Injured in a red-light crash in Mobile? If so, you do not have to try to deal with the aftermath alone.

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we have a team of highly qualified attorneys who are prepared to support you throughout the legal process and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Our dedicated team has recovered millions in compensation for clients just like you. Contact us today to learn if you may have a case. If we represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.

Experienced lawyers. Proven results. Call: 251-888-8888 today.